The Symbols of Christmas

The Symbols of Christmas

I thought I would take sometime and explain to all of you my friends the symbols of this beautiful season of Christmas.

Have you ever wondered why people hang tinsel on Christmas trees, or how candy canes became synonymous with the winter holiday? While these holiday decorations may seem arbitrary, most of these traditional decorations have a special meaning.

Christmas Tree

The Christmas Tree helps to reminds us of the cross made of wood that our Lord and Savior died on for all of our sins, so that His love for us and his great sacrifice will never separate us from God.

The Star and Candles

The Christmas star symbolizes the star of Bethlehem, which according to the Biblical story, guided the three kings (or wise men) to the baby Jesus. A star is also the heavenly sign of prophecy fulfilled long ago and the shining hope for humanity.

A candle, a mirror of starlight, is also a symbol representing the star of Bethlehem. Before electric Christmas tree lights were invented, families would use candles to light up the tree. The candle also represents that Jesus is the Light of the World.

Gifts and a Bow

The men who brought their gifts to honor the birth of Jesus inspired the concept of giving gifts during the holiday. According to the New Testament, Melchior, Balthazar, and Gaspar brought gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh to the newborn.

A ribbon is tied around a gift to represent how we should all be tied together in bonds of unity and goodwill during the holiday season.

The Colors Red and Green

The color red is used at Christmas to represent the blood of Jesus when he died on the cross. It’s reflected in the color of holly berries, which also had pagan symbolism during the winter solstice celebrations in ancient Rome.

Green is another popular color at Christmastime signifying everlasting light and life. Romans decorated their houses with evergreen branches during the New Year, and the fir tree symbolized life during the winter. There is also a legend that when Jesus was born in the dead of winter all the trees around the world shook off the snow to reveal new shoots of green.

The Bell

Bells are rung during Christmas to proclaim the arrival of the season and to announce the birth of Christ. Also, the ringing of bells can be traced back to pagan winter celebrations used to drive out evil spirits.

The Candy Cane

This treat represents the shape of a shepherd’s crook. Jesus, often referred to as the Good Shepherd, was born on Christmas. His birth was God’s way to bring lost lambs back to the fold. The red stripe represents blood, Christ’s sacrifice, and the white stands for his purity.

The Wreath

The wreath is a circular, never-ending symbol of eternal love and rebirth. Holly also stands for immortality and cedar for strength. Today the wreath symbolizes generosity, giving, and the gathering of family. It also reminds us that God’s love for all mankind has no beginning or ending.

Mistletoe

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant; it lives on the tree that it is attached to, and without it, the mistletoe would die. The plant has long been a symbol of love, and some believe that the Druids used mistletoe as a cure-all or some stories claim that it could promote fertility.

Symbols are outward signs of inward grace. My mother used to remind me of this many times over the years. She believed in it with childlike zeal and gentleness too. I know she was blessed and had a power to bless others because of her unshakable faith. She would approve of your work here Eileen. Blessings to you this Christmas. Xavier